ALD 5.0 - Interview Composition

Best interview shot

Having a face of the video whether being the host or the interviewee is key, there are two shots to know the difference between. That is a host and an interview shot. The difference is a host shot is when a person is talking directly into the camera or directly to the audience whereas an interview shot is a shot that shows who is telling the story and they're looking toward an interviewer not the camera. The background for a host shot is a clear sense of place and is placed where they would logically be. For an interview shot the background needs to show space in between interviewee and the background objects, later being compressed to a blur. Placing interviewees against a flat object or surface causes a shadow behind the person so this should never be done. Another good tip would be having "look room" which is the space from the eye level of the person being interviewed and the end of the frame. This makes the proportions of the video even and professional. To avoid a profile shot the cameraman would set up "The Line", which is the line from the lens to the subject and the interviewer would be slightly to the right or left of that line.

The most important part of shooting a successful interview is making the interviewee comfortable. To me this is the most important part of an interview because they are the face of the story having them as relaxed as possible is key. Doing this will add to the story by having them tell you their story in a natural tone. To make this possible having small talk before the interview can make it go smoother. Also having a checklist of what needs to be done and how it is going to happen so everyone is on the same page. First, on the checklist would be going to a location that is comfortable for the interviewee, not a stone bench for example. To add to that the background would need something that relates to the story itself. For example, an interview of the band director would have either instruments in the background or the band room itself with some percussion instruments.

Too much look room and too much body in shot.

Interviewee is looking at the camera.

Not professional and more of a behind the scenes.

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ALD 5.1 Design a targeted digital media message or concept that addresses the needs of a client.
ALD 5.2 Plan and construct a digital media product from budgeted resources that addresses client needs.
ALD 5.3 Assess the collaborative process for its impact on the design, planning, and production of a digital media product.